Parents' Guide to The Men Who Sold the World Cup

The Men Who Stole the World Cup tv series poster

Common Sense Media Review

Alistair Lawrence By Alistair Lawrence , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 10+

Soccer documentary reveals the sport's greed and corruption.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 10+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 2+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

THE MEN WHO SOLD THE WORLD CUP retells the story of the controversy that embroiled the bids for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 1 ):

This is a fascinating deep dive into the allegations of bribery and corruption that, for years, have swirled around world soccer organization FIFA. The Men Who Sold the World Cup is a thorough examination of the wider scandal exposed by two recent, successful bids by Russia and Qatar to host FIFA's iconic World Cup competition in 2018 and 2022, respectively. A range of experts, from British investigative journalists to various FBI agents and IRS employees, provide both the backdrop and the insights into the FIFA and government officials accused of wrongdoing.

Controversial former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also participates, again denying his involvement in a slew of criminal activity. This leads to some repetitive back and forth between Blatter and those who accuse him of overseeing a corrupt system and embedding himself as one of the most powerful figures in the world's most popular sport. The end result is what anyone who has followed this story in the news over the past few years will already know: it remains incredibly difficult to hold rich, powerful individuals to account, especially when their influence spreads throughout governments around the world. Still, told over two, 55-minute episodes, this documentary is engaging fare, and doesn't shy away from what many have noted is the ugly side of "the beautiful game."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the bribery and corruption exposed in The Men Who Sold the World Cup. Why is it important to hold powerful people to account?

  • The people who exposed the bribery and corruption came from variety of different jobs. In what ways did they show integrity, curiosity, and teamwork? Why are these such important character strengths to have?

  • What do you know about the FIFA World Cup? How did the documentary show another side to the world of global sport?

TV Details

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The Men Who Stole the World Cup tv series poster

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